Human Resources Benefits Specialist

Manchester School District•Manchester, NH

7h•Onsite

About The Position

The Manchester School District offers a full benefits package to all eligible employees. The Human Resources Benefits Specialist is responsible for managing benefit enrollments, changes, and terminations for District employees and retirees. This role works directly with benefits consultants and insurance carriers to provide up-to-date benefits materials and maintains the Manchester School District website. The specialist interacts with employees, answering questions and providing guidance related to benefit plans, supporting employees in a way that facilitates their focus on maintaining a student-centered environment.

Requirements

Bachelor’s Degree in Human Resources, Business/Public Administration, Communications, or related field.
At least 5 years of progressively responsible experience in the administration of employee benefits.
Must have working knowledge of compensation programs and processes.
Must have excellent organizational skills; the ability to research information, solve problems and recommend solutions; proficiency in the use of computers and benefits and/or HR related software; clear oral and written communication skills including excellent listening ability; the ability to convey information accurately; and the ability to complete detailed work and analysis in a timely and accurate manner.
Must have a thorough understanding of benefits administration and in-depth understanding of leave policies, as well as state and federal laws governing leaves.
Must have a solid understanding of state and federal employment laws and regulations, and compliance requirements.
Or an equivalent combination of knowledge, background, education, and experience.

Nice To Haves

Benefits related certification (Certified Employee Benefit Specialist; or Group Benefits Associate certification from the International Foundation of Employee Benefit Plans; or Certified Benefits Professional from World at Work; or Professional in Human Resources through the Human Resources Certification Institute - PHR; or Society for Human Resource Management – Certified Professional – SHRM-CP).

Responsibilities

Works with benefits consultant to design, evaluate, and modify benefits plans and policies to ensure programs are current, competitive, and in compliance with legal requirements.
Assures benefits information and brochures including Summary Plan Documents, enrollment forms, premium cost information, and related information to complete the enrollment process, are accurate and up to date, understandable, and easily accessible to employees and retirees.
Manages the design and development of tools to assist employees in benefits selection.
Evaluates and updates benefits related policies and recommends to Manager, Total Rewards, modifications to ensure benefits policies and programs are current, competitive, and in compliance with legal requirements.
Coordinates annual Benefits Open Enrollment for active and retired employees, disseminates related educational information, enrollment forms, premium costs, instructions, and additional resources.
Assures employees have adequate lead time to study materials and make decisions regarding benefits changes, as necessary.
Provides payroll team information about premium and other changes in insurance rates and coverage.
Collaborates with Payroll team to assure updates and changes are made in payroll system.
Educates new employees on benefits including eligibility, Summary Plan Documents, enrollment forms, employee premium information as appropriate, and related information for them to complete the enrollment process.
Removes dependents of District employees who age off guardian or parent/s’ plan from MSD health plans; moves retirees from employee health plans to Medicare plan when they reach 65 years of age.
Sends COBRA notices/documents to those eligible.
Assures proper processing of forms and coverage for participants.
Makes presentations about benefits and benefits related issues at Employee Orientation Programs; engages benefit plan providers to participate in Orientation presentations and activities.
Provides employees who separate from service, information about the termination of benefits, including related costs to continue certain benefits, as appropriate; removes employee from benefit plans with vendors.
Reviews and studies all current collective bargaining agreements for District to assure our benefit plans are up to date and comply with contract provisions related to benefits and for up-to-date benefits related information.
Reviews and studies all Contracts after School Board ratification to capture and implement benefits related changes.
Studies source documents such as insurance plans (including medical, dental, disability, and other plans) and contracts to assure compliance with contract provisions as related to benefits.
Maintains open line of communication with employee retirement system providers including the City of Manchester Retirement System, and the NH Retirement System (maintains and implements accurate plan and rate information for the NHRS Data Reporting System.
Directs preparation and distribution of written, including email, and/or verbal, including in-person or video meetings, to inform employees of benefits and updates about benefits throughout the year.
Under the direction of the Manager, Total Rewards, and in collaboration with carriers, completes compliance and related reporting requirements of relevant government rules and regulations; maintains regulatory and compliance documentation.
Oversees audit and reconciliation of weekly and/or monthly billing to ensure charges are appropriate and up to date.
Assures and maintains employee confidentiality and privacy related to benefits matters.
Completes additional duties as assigned.